related stories

Power too much for Lewis

Phil Taylor ground out a 7-3 victory over Adrian Lewis on the second night of this season's Premier League in Aberdeen.

What had looked an exciting clash on paper between the two men who had won the last five world championships proved to be something of a damp squib with neither of the Potteries rivals able to find their rhythm.

The contest was littered with breaks of throw early on as both men struggled to score heavily and after the first four legs had been shared Taylor was averaging just 87.

They were still level at 3-3, but Taylor broke again by taking out 64 and then moved two clear for the first time as he began to find a bit of form.

Lewis was unable to respond and it was 6-3 when Taylor located tops and The Power closed out the contest in clinical style by finishing from 199 with five darts.

It was the 16-time world champion's first victory of the campaign after his draw with Michael Van Gerwen in Belfast last week.

Afterwards, Taylor conceded it had been a low-key encounter, telling Sky Sports: "It was a strange game and I think both of us gave each other too much respect. We've just played pairs (at the World Cup of darts) and it was difficult for both of us."

The final match on the card proved to be the most enthralling of the night as home favourite Robert Thornton and Michael Van Gerwen fought out a thrilling 6-6 draw.

There was not a single break of throw in the contest as a tight clash built and built to a fascinating climax.

Having taken out 104 to level at 3-3, Van Gerwen then missed two darts at double-19 in the next as a golden chance to break went begging.

Both men stayed strong on their own throw, Thornton coolly hitting double-tops to ensure at least a share of the spoils as he edged 6-5 ahead.

It could have been even better for the Scot as he missed a dart at double-10 for a 140 check-out and a 7-5 win, but Van Gerwen returned to take out 25 and seal a 6-6 draw.